Tony Zale vs Rocky Graziano

About

Tony Zale and Rocky Graziano are renowned for their epic boxing rivalry, marked by three intense bouts between 1946 and 1948. The first fight, held at Yankee Stadium on September 27, 1946, saw Zale, known as "The Man of Steel," overcome a tough start to knock out Graziano in the sixth round, retaining his middleweight title. This fight is often cited as one of the greatest slugfests in boxing history, showcasing both fighters' resilience and power. Their second bout, on July 16, 1947, in Chicago Stadium, was equally brutal. Despite suffering severe eye injuries, Graziano managed to come back and stop Zale in the sixth round, claiming the middleweight title. The rivalry culminated in a third fight in June 1948, where Zale regained the title by knocking out Graziano. These fights are celebrated for their non-stop action and thrilling moments, cementing Zale and Graziano's places in boxing lore.